How to Change Your Address for a UPS Delivery

Change your UPS delivery address before the package arrives

You can change where a UPS package goes if you catch it before it reaches your local delivery facility — usually within 24 hours of placing the order, though sometimes longer depending on how far the package has already traveled. UPS offers three main routes: redirect the package to a different address through your UPS account, hold it at a UPS location for you to pick up, or reroute it to a UPS Access Point (a retail partner like CVS or The UPS Store). The fastest method is logging into your UPS account and using the Delivery Intercept tool, which works if the package hasn't left the UPS network yet.

The window to make changes is tight because packages move through the UPS system quickly. Once a driver has the package in their truck for delivery, you cannot redirect it — your only option then is to contact the person at the delivery address or file a claim. This is why acting within the first few hours after you realize you need a change gives you the best chance of success.

Key Takeaways

You must act within 24 hours of shipment, and sooner if the package is already in local delivery, because once a driver has it in their truck, UPS cannot redirect it.
The UPS Delivery Intercept tool in your account lets you change the address, hold the package at a location, or reroute to a UPS Access Point without calling.
If Delivery Intercept is unavailable or the package is already out for delivery, call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 and have your tracking number ready.
UPS charges an intercept fee of $6 to $15 for most address changes, though some shippers cover this cost — you will see the fee before you confirm.
If the package has already been delivered to the wrong address, contact the recipient or the sender to file a claim rather than try to redirect it.

Using the UPS Delivery Intercept tool in your account

Log into your UPS account on ups.com and find the shipment under "My Shipments" or search by tracking number. Click on the package and look for the "Delivery Intercept" button — it will only appear if the package is still may be able to access for redirection. Select your new address from the dropdown, or choose "Hold for Pickup" to collect it yourself at a UPS location near you, or "Reroute to UPS Access Point" to send it to a nearby retail partner.

The system will show you whether the change is possible and display any fee that applies — intercept fees typically range from $6 to $15 depending on the service level and how far the package has traveled, though some shippers cover this cost. Once you confirm, UPS updates the label and notifies the driver. You will receive a confirmation email with the new delivery details within a few minutes.

If the Delivery Intercept button does not appear, the package has already left the UPS network or is out for delivery. In that case, you will need to call UPS Customer Service instead of using the online tool.

Calling UPS Customer Service to redirect your package

If you cannot use the online tool or need to act quickly, call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877. Have your tracking number ready — the representative will look up the package and tell you whether it can still be redirected. If it can, they will ask for the new address or location where you want it sent, and they will process the change on the phone.

Wait times are usually shorter in early morning hours (before 9 a.m. Eastern) and longer in the afternoon. If you are calling about a package that is already out for delivery, the representative may tell you it is too late to redirect and suggest you contact the recipient or file a claim instead. Keep your tracking number visible so you can provide it when ready when you reach a representative.

Holding a package at a UPS location for pickup

If you want to collect the package yourself rather than have it delivered, you can hold it at any UPS Customer Center or UPS Store location. Use the Delivery Intercept tool to select "Hold for Pickup" and choose the location nearest you, or call 1-800-742-5877 and ask the representative to hold it at a specific address.

UPS will hold the package for up to five business days at no extra charge. You will need to bring a photo ID to pick it up. If you do not collect it within five days, UPS will attempt delivery to the original address, so plan to retrieve it promptly once you receive the notification that it has arrived at the location.

Rerouting to a UPS Access Point

A UPS Access Point is a retail location — such as The UPS Store, CVS, Walgreens, or Amazon Hub — where UPS delivers packages for you to pick up. This option works well if you are not home during normal delivery hours or if you want to avoid packages sitting on your porch. Use Delivery Intercept to select "Reroute to UPS Access Point" and choose from nearby locations, or call and ask the representative to send it to a specific Access Point.

The package will be held at the Access Point for up to seven days. You will receive a notification when it arrives, and you can pick it up during the location's business hours with a photo ID. Access Points are often open earlier and later than your home is occupied, making this a practical choice for people with unpredictable schedules or who prefer not to wait for a delivery window.

What to do if the package has already been delivered

If the package has already been delivered to the wrong address, you cannot redirect it through UPS. Instead, contact the person who received it and ask them to return it, or contact the sender (the business or person who shipped it) and report the misdelivery. The sender can file a claim with UPS on your behalf.

If you believe the package was stolen or left in an unsafe location, file a claim through your UPS account or by calling 1-800-742-5877. Have your tracking number and a description of the package ready. UPS will investigate and may issue a refund or replacement, though this process typically takes one to two weeks.

Timing and cutoff windows for address changes

The window for changing an address depends on how far the package has traveled. If you change the address within a few hours of placing the order, before the package reaches your local UPS facility, the change almost always goes through. Once the package arrives at your local facility and is sorted for delivery, the window closes — usually by early morning on the day of delivery.

If the package is already out with a driver, it cannot be redirected. This is why calling as soon as you realize you need a change is the safest approach. Packages traveling across the country have a longer window (sometimes 24 to 48 hours) than packages already in local delivery, which may have only a few hours before they are loaded onto a delivery truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address after the package is out for delivery?

No. Once a UPS driver has the package in their vehicle, it cannot be redirected to a different address. Your only options at that point are to contact the person at the delivery address and ask them to return it, or to file a claim if it was misdelivered or lost.

Is there a fee to change a UPS delivery address?

UPS charges an intercept fee of $6 to $15 for most address changes, depending on the service level and how far the package has traveled. Some shippers cover this fee as part of their shipping cost. You will see the fee amount before you confirm the change in the Delivery Intercept tool.

Can I change the address to a PO Box?

No. UPS does not deliver to PO Boxes. You can redirect to a UPS Access Point, a UPS Customer Center, or a residential or business street address. If you need mail-only delivery, you would need to contact the sender and ask them to use USPS instead.

What happens if I miss the window to change the address?

If the package has already been delivered to the original address, contact the recipient and ask them to return it, or contact the sender to file a claim. If it was delivered to the wrong address by mistake, UPS will investigate a misdelivery claim and may issue a refund or replacement.

How long will UPS hold a package if I choose pickup instead of delivery?

UPS holds packages at Customer Centers for up to five business days and at UPS Access Points for up to seven days. After that period, UPS will attempt delivery to the original address. Check your notification email for the exact date the hold expires at your location.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.